7 years on, missing fishermen's families await compensation

SURAT: Exactly seven years after the Mumbai terror attack, the families of three missing fishermen from Navsari are yet to receive their death certificates.
Family members of the three missing fishermen of 'Kuber' boat, which was hijacked by Ajmal Kasab and other terrorists to reach Mumbai, made a representation to Navsari collector on Wednesday demanding their death certificate.
As per section 108 of the Indian Evidence Act 1872, "Person is presumed to be dead who is unheard of for more than seven years by those who would naturally have heard of him/her if he/she had been alive".
Five fishermen were on board Kuber when it was hijacked. These included Natwar alias Natu Nanu Rathod, Mukesh Rathod and Balvant Tandel, from Vansi and Borse villages. While body of Amarsinh Solanki, the captain of boat from Valsad was found, another crew member Ramesh Solanki is also missing.
"In absence of death certificates, the families are yet to get the compensation of Rs 10 lakh announced by government. Since seven years are over, they should be declared dead now," said Kanu Sukhadiya of Seva, an NGO that is fighting for rights of the families.
Mukesh Rathod's 90-year-old grandmother Lakshmiben said, "There is no one to take care of me in the family. I have no home and if receive the compensation money, I can build one."
Widow of Natwar, Dharmishtha said, "I am facing severe financial crisis and forced to do labour work to feed my two children."
Navsari collector Remya Mohan said, "We will follow up the case with the home department. We will ensure that the families get their the compensation."